1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

ID frame

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by 1970CJ6, Jan 27, 2009.

  1. Jan 27, 2009
    1970CJ6

    1970CJ6 new mexico air

    rio rancho, new...
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2005
    Messages:
    630
    I have a frame that I bought with some other JEEP parts and i need some help IDing it.
    It is from a flat fender, has round front crossmemberwith bell crank on it. 123" long. The rear crossmember has been removes wand the X member.
    The springs are the U type. Cannot find any numbers on it. Had 134 motor mounts that were removed.
    The frame has been sandblasted and found only one crack in one rear spring mount.
    Any help guys

    Andrew
    Wount be able to get pictures till this weekend maybe earlyer
     
  2. Jan 27, 2009
    EricM

    EricM Active Member

    Southern California
    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2007
    Messages:
    1,019
  3. Jan 27, 2009
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    2,793
    From our own tech library:
    http://www.earlycj5.com/homebrew2/M38-Power Train, Body, Frame.pdf

    The stated frame length is real close to being right. 122 and 3/4' vs. 123"
    The round front crossmember makes it a Willys, but I don't remember if it was just the military frames or if the civilian ones also had it. Some one will correct that, I am sure.

    Also there should be numbers stamped in the frame in a couple of different places that can help.
     
  4. Jan 27, 2009
    Bob Greenslade

    Bob Greenslade Member

    Roseville CA
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2008
    Messages:
    232
    If it's an old military frame there may not be any numbers.
     
  5. Jan 27, 2009
    jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Owosso, MI
    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2006
    Messages:
    690
    Civvy had a round front crossmember as well. The numbers would be stamped on an ID tag on the left front frame horn. The tag was mounted either inside OR outside depending on year it seems (I have seen them both ways)

    Military would have had a machine gun mount plate on the crossmember over the wheels. I do not know if this would apply to a V35 however, as V35's had Civvy style Willys stampings and grill, I do not know if they had a civvy frame or not. (these are pretty dang rare, so I doubt you would have that anyway)

    CJ2A and 3A are almost identical (almost) and the CJ3B frame I have been told had some very distinct changes.

    I would try www.thecj2apage.com with some pictures, when it comes to flattie jeeps those guys are comparable to snipers... They can spot things and nail them at 1.5 miles and not even flinch.
     
  6. Jan 27, 2009
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2006
    Messages:
    816
    Not a WWII military. Their bell crank is on the front axle.
     
  7. Jan 27, 2009
    1970CJ6

    1970CJ6 new mexico air

    rio rancho, new...
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2005
    Messages:
    630
    Here are couple of pictures,it got to dark for any more.
    Andrew

    http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj385/1970CJ6/CJ3A/Flatfenderfronframe1-27-09.jpg[/IMG
    [IMG]http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj385/1970CJ6/CJ3A/flatfendercompleteframe1-27-09.jpg
     
  8. Jan 27, 2009
    1970CJ6

    1970CJ6 new mexico air

    rio rancho, new...
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2005
    Messages:
    630
    Another one

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Jan 27, 2009
    junkfood

    junkfood Member

    Casa Grande,Az.
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2005
    Messages:
    222
    My guess would be a 3a or later.. Do not see the mounting tabs for the tranny Xmember that a 2a had.. If the motor mounts are directly across from each other, not off set, it would be a 3a or later.
    Keith
     
  10. Jan 28, 2009
    Joe 69cj5

    Joe 69cj5 Going into Retirement

    Llano Ca.
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2008
    Messages:
    152
    Looks just like my cj5 frame but the front member is round on yours and mine is sq.
     
  11. Jan 28, 2009
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    To correct a few things with frames. Not all military jeeps had a machine gun mount. The cjv35 u and m38 do not have one. The cj3a and 3b share the same frame, along with some very late cj2a's. The way to tell an m38 frame from a cj3a frame is the that m38 frame will be boxed behind the bumper to the front crossmember and one have a place beside the front crossmember for the grill to bold on, it will have hinges instead. From looking at the pics it looks like you have a cj3a or cj3b frame.
     
  12. Jan 28, 2009
    1970CJ6

    1970CJ6 new mexico air

    rio rancho, new...
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2005
    Messages:
    630
    Now M38's were 24 volt and the battery was in the cowl, this one had a in engine compartment right front.
    So that rulls out a M38. So it is most likely a 3a or 3b,
    Were did thaay stamp the number on the frame, I looked but could not find any, now it was getting dark when I got home with it.
    Do you think this would be a good start for a build up of the CJ3A I have , the front of frame on it was cut up a lot.
    Can I get reproduction X member and rear cross member for it.
    Andrew
     
  13. Jan 28, 2009
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    m38's use two 12 volt battiers to get the 24 volt. One is in the cowl the other is under the hood like a regular cj, except that the m38 also came with a detachable box that the battery sits in under the hood
     
  14. Jan 28, 2009
    1970CJ6

    1970CJ6 new mexico air

    rio rancho, new...
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2005
    Messages:
    630
    Thanks Bill
    Andrew
     
  15. Jan 28, 2009
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Andrew,
    It is not possible to give an exact identification from the pics you took.
    However we can definitely narrow it down to 1949 CJ-2A or 1949 CJ,3A through 1965 CJ-3B.

    Not all frames had a serial number stamped upon them.
    IF this frame has a serial number it will most likely be located on the right top frame flange.
    Look just above the front spring pivot bracket behind the battery tray.
    Sometimes these frames were also stamped just foreward of the right rear U shackle bracket.
    In the absence of a serial number most frames can still be narrowed down to a certain time line.
    If you can take specific pics or provide specific detail I can give you a positive identification.

    Specifics of identification are detailed here:
    http://www.film.queensu.ca/cJ3B/Dati...ingFrames.html
    Let me know if you need me to clarify or explain the differences.

    I have a personal opinion concerning which specific frames were the best for 80" wheelbased jeeps.
    But the fact remains that there are only minor differences from 1949 through 1965.

    It is likely an excellent candidate for your build depending of course on your project details.
     
  16. Jul 29, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
    Messages:
    739
    Old thread i know, but do you have a current website link for this or newer information as i still want to confirm my frame as i know its not a CJ5 like it is registered. Thanks.
     
  17. Jul 29, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
  18. Jul 29, 2020
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Search: 80” wheelbase frame progression
     
New Posts